An active volunteer for 17 years, Peter Terkildsen first learned about Make-A-Wish as a parent to a child with a critical illness. Peter’s daughter, Sofia, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder after she was born, and endured intense chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and lengthy hospital stays throughout her first years of life. In the middle of it all, one of Sofia’ hospital social workers recommended Make-A-Wish, offering to write a referral.

After wishing for a trip to Walt Disney World, the whole Terkildsen family began counting down the days, eager to hop on the plane for Sofia’s wish. Peter reflects on how meaningful this experience was for his daughter and their family, creating unforgettable memories and countless smiles, at a time they needed it most.

After his daughter’s wish experience, Peter was touched by the impact it had left on his family. After hearing that Make-A-Wish Illinois needed volunteers, he was inspired to get involved. Nearly 100 wishes later, Peter continues to create hope for families of children with critical illnesses across Chicago’s western suburbs.

Peter strives to help other families experience similar joy and relief that his family did throughout their wish by helping create unforgettable wish experiences. Typically, Peter is known to take on challenging, urgent, and fast-paced wishes. To which he always says, “I can handle it.” Not because he has too, but because he wants to, and because he knows how much a wish can mean to families facing the daily uncertainty of having a child with a life-threatening medical condition. From last-minute travel wishes to celebrity meet-and-greets, or personalized shopping sprees accompanied by police escorts, Peter always makes it happen. He is energized by making wishes come to life for kids and families during some of their hardest moments.

Despite his full-time corporate career, parenting duties, and jam-packed day-to-day schedule, he never fails to go above and beyond for wish kids, according to many staff members who have worked with him. For nearly 20 years, he’s been changing lives, one wish at a time.

“What I love most is putting smiles on people’s faces,” he said, reflecting on his volunteer journey. “It brightens their life. Even if it’s just for a moment, that joy sticks with them.”

One experience that stayed with him was working with a young boy diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder that led him to lose his ability to speak, walk, and function at a typical level for his age. At the mere mention of “dolphins”, the child instantly lit up, smiling for the first time since the meeting began.

“That was the first time I saw him react,” Peter said. “That’s when I realized that we were reaching him. That’s when I really knew this matters.”

Peter credits the Make-A-Wish staff for their ongoing dedication and support, as he describes the team as intelligent, caring, and well organized. Peter says, “what we do would be impossible without each and every one of them.”

Peter’s dedication leaves a lasting impact on many families throughout Illinois. His compassion and commitment continues to inspire those around him, and our chapter is incredibly grateful for all he does to support our wish families.  Peter’s story is proof that one person can create lasting change.

This year, Peter was honored with the 2025 Agile Award, a recognition from Make-A-Wish Illinois for volunteers who consistently go above and beyond, with emphasis on wishes that require extra attention, creativity, or urgency.